Grand Valley Beer Festival

Today, we used the tickets I won from the television to attend the
Grand Valley Beer Festival,  being held at the University Center,
at Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction.

Because it's only five blocks from our house, we were able to walk 

(and as a result, not have to worry about having had a few too many to 

drink).  Lynn nor I aren't very big drinkers, but when we do drink beer, 

we like to try local brews as well as beers from small breweries.  The 

Beer Festival was perfect for this as most, if not all of the 22 breweries 

I counted were from Colorado.  Each person received a small glass that

would be filled at each table you visited and you could try as many of 

the brands as you liked.  You could then vote on your favorite.  I only 

found a couple (I won't mention them) that I really didn't like at all.  

Lynn and I both agreed that the "Red Monkey's Butt" from local Suds 

Brothers Brewery in Fruita was our favorite.  We had a really good time, 

and definitely had our fill.  The venue was fun as well.  I hope it's a 

successful yearly event.

I Won Tickets!

I don't usually watch the noon news and on that rare occasion that I do,
it isn't KREX Channel 5. Nothing against them, but it's just not something
we watch. However, today was different. I was sitting in the kitchen,
checking email when I saw a story about the Grand Valley Beer Festival.
It caught my attention, because it was supporting Colorado Mesa University's
Maverick Club...and, we like good beer!   Anyway, the tv station was giving
tickets away to the event for commenting on their Facebook site.  I already
belong to their site, so I commented.  And you know what?  I won tickets!
This wouldn't be something we would normally go to since it was $25 per
person to attend.  But to attend for free?  Yes, I can afford that!

Eating and Drinking

I think one of the things you miss the most about being on the
Ice is the ability to make choices. Especially things you eat and
drink. Especially when you re-enter the world in Christchurch, and
there are so many good restaurants and choices. I went to lunch today
with Melanie and Amy to the Belgian Beer Cafe Torenhof. Susie
introduced me to it in October and it's become one of my favorite
places to eat. They also have really good Belgian Beer as well.


When I left lunch, I walked over to the Asian Market. Lynn and I have
been going here for quite a few years now and although we don't need
any food right now, they have a special Green Tea that Lynn likes, so
I got a few tins to take home.


I also like the Chinese Gunpowder Tea, so I got a box of it to take home
as well.


It's funny because I'm not a big drinker at all, but somehow beer when
you're coming off the Ice tastes so much better. I went to Winnie
Bagoes for my friend Bamma's birthday party and because many
of her friends are also my friends as well, it was great to see so
many people I knew. I had pizza, which to be honest, Winnie Bagoes
has some of the better pizza in New Zealand and a Mac's Great White,
which is also a Belgian-style Beer. At the end of the day, both
my stomach...and liver...were happy!